It looks like some diabolical temple for the damned. Wide stone steps lead up to a gigantic skull, its bat wings outstretched, casting its ghastly grin upon several thousand over-excited metalheads. If this is a temple, than Avenged Sevenfold’s frontman M. Shadows, a tattooed, muscular spook clad in black and grey with dark glasses, is its abominable priest.

As he flies about the stage, there is something tribal about the chanting of the seemingly endless crowd, who, as one body, sway, fist-pump, scream, and jump to his will. ‘Electric’ is a much overused adjective when we talk about atmosphere but whoever first came up with the phrase must have been a rock and roll fan, because every moment of this thrilling, theatrical and full-throttle show was charged with incessant and intense energy.

But beneath the splashy lightshow, the dramatic staging and the well-pummeled stadium speakers, lies the real substance that has made Avenged Sevenfold one of the biggest names in metal today.

They then proceed to unleash all the fiery enthusiasm, power and unfettered passion that metal ultimately represents – all ‘pyro’ is forgotten. Add to all this M. Shadows skilful showmanship and the band’s obvious bond with their fans (the ‘family,’ as the frontman calls them), and you have a hugely entertaining set that is essential viewing for hardcore concert lovers.

Chris Jericho welcomed Synyster Gates to the Rock Of Jericho earlier today so the duo could talk about surfing,
enjoying time off, the success of “Nightmare” and how it differed from
that of “City Of Evil,” his side-project with Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan
that wasn’t Pinkly Smooth, writing for the new album and what kind of
challenge it brings, his guitar-work, meeting his idle John Petrucci,
his favorite song to play live and much much more. Thanks to Lindsey M for sending this in so I could share it with you all and everyone else who offered to do the same.

Ian “Uncle Creepy” McCall will be using Avenged Sevenfold’s “Nightmare” as his walk-out music for his UFC rematch against Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson. The last match controversially ended in a draw after Johnson was wrongfully declared the winner. The UFC Flyweight tournament will end with the rematch on June 8th at UFC on FX. McCall recently spoke briefly (7:26-) about his friendship with Avenged Sevenfold and how both he and the band wanted him to use their music.

Back in December Dr DisRespectshows up at an Avenged Sevenfold concert in San Jose, CA where he was invited on stage and mouthed off with M Shadows. Today, he’s posted a video on Facebook that follows him around as he arrives at the show and heads backstage. Part 2 is slated to be released on Friday, April 6th.

“New video is up. These Avenged Sevenfold guys think they’re some hot shots stepping into the Call of Duty community. I’ll end it… for good. “These hot shot musicians think they can just easily hop into our world and dominate. I’ve got a reality check for them…. a stern reality check.” – Dr DisRespect

Zacky Vengeancewill appear on Hoppus On Music this week and two clips, “Zacky Vengeance At His Old Stomping Ground” and “Zacky Vengeance Plays Truthies and Falsies” have been uploaded to give fans a sneak peek. The full interview airs Thur, Apr 5th at Midnight/11C.